Florida Keys Nature & History Tour from Key West
Back at the ship by about 12:40 pm, 2 h 50 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 50 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Key West20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:30 amEarliest tour startTour runs 4 h. Latest sensible start: 10:20 am.
- 12:30 pmTour ends10 min back to the pier
- 12:40 pmBack at the gangway2 h 50 min before all aboard
- 3:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Key West call (8:00 am–3:30 pm). It runs 4 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:30 am and be back at the gangway around 12:40 pm — 1 h 50 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 1:40 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The operator picks up at the cruise port (it is on their pickup list), so the trip to the start point is part of the tour. We allow 10 min to walk off and find the pickup; look for the ground-transportation area outside Pier B (Truman Annex / Opal Key Resort).
Among the 350 Key West shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 3 h); 85% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Key West call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
With your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, this 4 Hour VIP Tour of the South Keys promises to amaze you. En route, you’ll learn the history, culture, and ecology of the Keys, listen to island music, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery! Feel free to ask questions, share your experiences, and point out wildlife.
* We drive you from island-to-island on the iconic Overseas Highway, about 45 miles from Key West & over 20 bridges
* Revel in the scenery as we drive over the iconic 7-Mile Bridge - twice!
* Experience world-famous Bahia Honda State Park: dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico AND the Atlantic Ocean, walk on a historic railroad bridge for spectacular views, and more!
* Photograph endangered Key Deer on Big Pine Key on our world-famous Key Deer Safari
* Visit the Blue Hole to check for alligators and other native wildlife
You'll love this tour so much, you'll book it again next year!
We sanitize our tour vehicles before each tour in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Max 12 per group English
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local Driver/Professional Tour Guide
- National Park fees
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages
Itinerary
- 1The Overseas HighwayEnjoy the scenic views as we drive over countless bridges and across numerous islands along the iconic Ocerseas Highway.
- 2Old Seven Mile BridgeRevel at the historic bridge while we drive over the modern 7-Mile bridge. Learn about what was the longest bridge in the world, the men who built it, and the blockbuster movie filmed on it.
- 3Bahia Honda State ParkExplore one of Florida's most spectacular parks. Walk on top or underneath a historic railroad bridge, wade in the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico AND Atlantic Ocean, stroll the beach, and enjoy the scenery.
- 4National Key Deer RefugePhotograph endangered Key Deer on our world-famous Key Deer Safari.
- 5Blue HoleLook for alligators and other wildlife in the most eco-diverse body of water in the Florida Keys.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
See booking page
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Short walks on uneven surfaces - wear your walking shoes
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled by operator due to severe weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Traveler reviews
Operated by Up The Keys Tours. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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